EP1383091B1 - Cash box and apparatus for emptying the cash box - Google Patents

Description

Farebox or the like and a cashbox with the invention Contraption.

In commercial traffic is a variety of payment systems, in particular Vending machines, known by which a customer goods and / or services against payment by cash, vouchers and the like can purchase. Of the Automat receives the means of payment, checks its value and validity and assigns a validated means of payment to a storage in which this Cash is saved. Such payment systems are often for the sale of tickets, for example for passenger vehicles and the like used.

As part of a maintenance usually the money storage are emptied. Is to It is known in the art that the machine has a closable opening has, removed by the in the open state of the cash, or can be exchanged. The containers are outside the machine closed to avoid a loss of cash or one prevent unauthorized access. For emptying the container, this in usually at the top of an opening through which the contents are taken can be. For a removal, for example, the container is tilted.

US 6,059,090 describes a cashbox containing both coins and coins Banknotes can be stored independently. For this purpose, the Cashbox separate storage areas for coin and banknotes. The Bottom wall of Münzgeldbereichs has an opening which with a sliding door is lockable, which sliding on the bottom wall is stored. The bottom wall itself is firmly connected to the side walls.

The disadvantage is in addition to handling the mostly bulky and heavy containers, that these are to be tipped for removal.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device by means of which, while avoiding the handling of individual containers a simple, safe removal of the means of payment is possible.

As a solution , the invention proposes a device for emptying a cashbox, box or the like, wherein the device consists of a substantially cuboid housing, and the cashbox comprises at least one sliding wall, wherein the housing has a compartment for inserting a cashbox, so that it is positioned with the sliding wall facing downwards on a slide arranged in the housing of the device, the slide comprising: a handle, a connection device for connection to the wall of the cashbox, and a locking device which allows the slide to be pulled out of the housing in a pulled-out end position and a subsequent pushing into a fully inserted end position permits, however, prevents insertion of the slider from each withdrawn position, which does not correspond to the end position.

With the embodiment according to the invention can be achieved that a removal also of large amounts of cash while at the same time easy to use is relieved. An exchange and transport of bulky containers can be avoided. Nevertheless, by the embodiment according to the invention ensure safe and complete emptying. So can For example, the sliding wall be performed such that means of payment by the opening movement of an interior side surface of the Wall to be stripped so as to ensure complete emptying. This is supported, inter alia, by the fact that the slider only after reaching the fully withdrawn position back into the fully inserted End position can be moved. For example, the wall can be the floor to make the cashbox. By sideways pulling out of the wall is a Opening formed by which the stored cash in one underneath arranged collecting container may fall.

It is further proposed that the handle between a relative to the Housing folded and a folded position is pivotable. So is advantageous by the position of the handle a locking state of the wall displayable. Without further means and without a power supply can do so the state of the lock can be determined by an operator. About that In addition, by the pivotable handle one for the operator ergonomically favorable position can be achieved. Also, the handle can be in one Protected position can be positioned when the wall in the fully inserted End position is locked, for example, damage by to avoid surrounding operations.

For this purpose, it is also proposed that the handle is a handle. Advantageously a one-hand operation can be achieved.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the Connecting device comprises at least one locking element, which in a groove can be used in the sliding wall of the Cashbox. Advantageously can be achieved be that the wall in the fully inserted end position unlocked from the slide, so that the wall as part of the cashbox is fixed.

For this purpose, it is further proposed that the slide has a transmission, via which when folding out the handle, the connecting device a Connection between the slide and the sliding wall of the Cashbox manufactures. So can be advantageously achieved that the connection only is then produced when the handle by an operator in a folded out position is pivoted. In the folded position of Handle the slider can be moved without a take of the Wall takes place. It can be achieved that the wall only is displaceable when the operator is in the immediate vicinity of the cashbox located. For example, the handle by a spring force in the folded position to achieve that when removing the Operator the release is automatically restored.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that the locking device comprises a locking member, which along a Cam track is guided. So can be achieved that locked with the slide Wall only after reaching the fully withdrawn end position can be moved back into the fully inserted end position. On this way it can be avoided that cash remains on the store the storage side surface of the wall, creating a complete Emptying the cashbox is supported. For example, the cam track Sawtooth be formed on the slider, wherein one with the cam in Direction cam is provided interacting lever.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is proposed that the locking member between an insertion of the slider permitting and an insertion-preventing position is switchable. It can be achieved that the slider by an appropriate action again can be pushed, the action is done by switching the locking member. Advantageously, an uncontrolled back and forth movement of the slider be avoided.

In addition, it is proposed that the locking member in each case in the inserted and the withdrawn end position of the slider is switchable. So may advantageously be a position of the locking member in which it is not with the cam track is engaged, by completely pushing the slide back undone be made so that the locking member is again engaged with the cam track. It can be achieved that only when fully reached End position by the slide re-insertion is executable. Farther can be achieved that the locking member during the extraction from the inserted end position interacts with the cam track and so on Push the slider back in before it is fully withdrawn End position prevented. Only when reaching the fully withdrawn End position, the locking member in a not coupled with the cam track not Switched position, so that the insertion of the slide released becomes. For this example, the locking member on reaching the complete withdrawn end position are mechanically held in a position in it is no longer engaged with the cam track, so that a Re-pushing is possible.

In a further embodiment it is proposed that the locking member spring loaded is. Thus, the locking member, for example, by a spiral or leaf spring be biased against the cam track to achieve the desired function.

For this purpose, it is also proposed that the locking member on the housing and the Cam track are arranged on the slide. So can be achieved advantageous that the movement of the slider at the same time a movement of the cam track causes, with respect to the slider fixedly arranged locking member with the cam track is engaged and so the desired function is achieved.

The invention further provides a cashbox for an inventive Device consisting of a housing proposed which a lid, four side walls and a bottom wall, wherein the lid a slit-like opening, and wherein at least one of the walls is displaceable relative to the housing. So can be achieved advantageous that a stockpiling of swap bodies is reduced. By moving the cashbox can be completely and safely emptied of at least one wall become. Means for handling exchange containers and storage costs can be saved or reduced.

In a further embodiment, it is proposed that the wall at least has a groove for receiving a locking element. Advantageously, the displaceable Wall connected with a slider to the contents of the Cashbox by a producible by moving the sliding wall To empty the opening. For example, the locking element by a via a Gear can be formed drivable pin.

In addition, it is proposed that the groove on the outside of the wall formed and closed to Wandungsinnenseite. So on the one hand be achieved that the inside of the wall a homogeneous, closed Surface forms where no means of payment can be fixed. The order the groove in the outwardly facing surface of the wall allows on the other hand advantageous engagement of the locking element outside the Payment area of the cashbox, so that the intervention, for example, not may be hindered by any means of payment in the way.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that this is a securing device for securing the displaceable Has wall against moving. It can be achieved that the wall can be secured against unauthorized movement, so that access, for example only an authorized person is allowed. For example, the Backup device to be controlled by a remote center, wherein before a release before a permission of an operator is checked.

For this purpose, it is also proposed that the fuse can be unlocked. So, for example the fuse can be unlocked via a lock, which only by authorized persons is operable. The lock can be used as a mechanical lock or be designed as an electronic lock. But it can too be provided that in addition a release signal of a remote center necessary for the operator to unlock the fuse.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that this is a device for blocking the slot-like opening against engagement into the interior of the housing and to prevent the return of by the Slot in the housing introduced objects in the below the slot having lying housing portion. For example, it can be prevented that means of payment taken from the interior of the cashbox unauthorized become. The device can do this, for example, by a lockable Flap or the like may be formed.

It is also proposed that the displaceable wall with respect to the horizontal is arranged inclined. Thus, for example, can be achieved that the required effort to move the wall is reduced. Further can be achieved that by the weight of the wall, a force in the closing direction is generated, which is a movement of the wall in the fully inserted Position supported.

Further advantages and features are the following descriptions of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. in the Substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. Further, with respect to the same features and functions, the description will be made refer to the embodiment in Fig. 1. The drawings are schematic drawings and serve only to explain the following embodiment.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische, schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Entleervorrichtung mit einer darin angeordneten Cashbox;

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt durch die Entleervorrichtung in Fig. 1, wobei der Schieber und die verschiebbare Wandung der Cashbox entkoppelt sind;

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt durch eine Entleervorrichtung in Fig. 1, wobei zusätzlich eine Sicherungsvorrichtung vorgesehen ist;

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt durch die Entleervorrichtung in Fig. 3, wobei die Wandung der Cashbox entsichert und mit dem Schieber gekoppelt ist;

Fig. 5

eine Schnittansicht der Entleervorrichtung nach Fig. 3, wobei die Wandung der Cashbox teilweise mittels des Schiebers der Entleervorrichtung in Öffnungsrichtung positioniert ist;

Fig. 6

die in Fig. 3 dargestellte Entleervorrichtung, wobei die mit dem Schieber gekoppelte Wandung in der vollständig geöffneten Endposition dargestellt ist; und

Fig. 7

die Entleervorrichtung nach Fig. 3, wobei die mit dem Schieber gekoppelte Wandung in der wieder vollständig eingeschobenen Endposition dargestellt ist.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective, schematic view of an emptying device according to the invention with a cashbox disposed therein;

Fig. 2

a section through the emptying device in Figure 1, wherein the slide and the sliding wall of the cashbox are decoupled.

Fig. 3

a section through an emptying device in Figure 1, wherein additionally a securing device is provided.

Fig. 4

a section through the emptying device in Figure 3, wherein the wall of the cashbox is unlocked and coupled to the slider.

Fig. 5

a sectional view of the emptying device of Figure 3, wherein the wall of the cashbox is partially positioned by means of the slide of the emptying device in the opening direction.

Fig. 6

the emptying device shown in Figure 3, wherein the coupled to the slider wall is shown in the fully open end position. and

Fig. 7

the emptying device of Fig. 3, wherein the coupled with the slider wall is shown in the fully retracted end position.

In Fig. 1 is an inventive device 10 for emptying a cashbox 94, wherein the device 10 consists of a substantially cuboid housing 12 is made. The housing 12 has a door 88 lockable compartment 16 for inserting a cashbox 94 with a sliding wall 14 and side walls 96, 98, so that these with the slidable wall 14 directed downward on a housing 12 of the Device 10 arranged slider 18 (Fig. 2) is positioned, wherein the Slider 18 comprises: a handle 20, a connecting device 22 for Connection to the wall 14 of the cashbox 94 and a locking device 24, a pulling out of the slider 18 from the housing 12 in a withdrawn end position 26 and then pushing it into a fully inserted end position 28 allows, but an insertion of the Slider 18 from each withdrawn position, not the end position 26th corresponds, prevents (Fig. 2). In this embodiment, the handle 20 is through formed a handle which is folded between a relative to the housing 12 and a folded-out position is pivotable. For this purpose, the handle 20 is on its two ends are each connected to an end region of a lever 90, wherein the levers 90 are rotatably mounted at their opposite end portions are. One of the levers 90 is also connected to a drive linkage 66, wherein a pivoting movement of the lever 90 is a push and / or Pull movement of the drive rod 66 causes. The slider 18 is opposite the housing 12 mounted horizontally displaceable. He has one Locking device 22, which comprises a locking element 30 which in a Groove 32 of the sliding wall 14 of the cashbox 94 is insertable.

Further, the slider 18 includes a gear 34 with two gear disks 60, 62nd and movable linkages 64, 66, 68, 70. The gear 34 is above the handle 20 driven. This is connected to one end of the linkage 66, which on the other end is rotatably connected to the disc 60 radially outward of the center is. An actuation of the handle 20 thus leads to a corresponding Rotary movement of the disc 60. To drive the locking device 22 points the gear 34, a further movable linkage 64, which on a End also off-center on the disc 60 is rotatably mounted and with his the other end is in operative connection with the locking element 30. A Rotational movement of the disc 60 is in a push / pull movement of the movable linkage 64 and the associated with this locking element 30th reshaped. Thus, a pivotal movement of the handle 20 in a transverse Movement of the locking element 30 converted.

In the fully inserted position 28 of the wall shown in Fig. 2 14 of the cashbox 94 is the slider 18 due to the position of the handle 20 and the thus predetermined position of the locking element 30 of the wall 14th decoupled.

As shown in Fig. 3, the wall 14 is additionally by a securing device 52 secured against unintentional displacement in the opening direction 92. For this purpose, the wall 14 on the Wandungsinnenseite 50 a groove 72, in a securing latch 74 of the securing device 52 engages. The safety catch 74 may be formed, for example, by a latch formed by a lock be. Here he is part of a non-illustrated Locking mechanism, via which the wall 14 releasable with the cashbox 94 connected is.

The transmission 34 further includes a second disc 62, which in turn is provided with ends of movable rods 68, 70 connected to the disc 62nd Are mounted eccentrically rotatable. At the second end, the linkage 68 a Locking element 80 which runs on the disc periphery of the disc 60. The second linkage 70 is slidable at its second end mounted ram 76 connected by the spring 78 in the direction Housing rear wall 86 is biased and rests against this (Fig. 2, Fig. 3).

Furthermore, the slider 18 in a side wall 56 has an elongated opening 58, which is provided on its upper side with a cam track 38. In Longitudinal direction, the opening 58 extends into the edge region of the slider 18. At the handle end opposite end of the opening 58 is an opening 58 closing the leaf spring 82 is provided. At the handle side End, the opening 58 is open to the outside. On the housing 12 is pivotally Locking lever 36 is provided, which via a spring 40 in the direction of cam 38th is biased. In the in Figs. 2 and 3 position shown is the lever 36th biased by the spring 40 in the direction of the cam track 38 of the opening 58, so that this the cam track 38 couples.

To push out the wall 14 together with the slider 18 is initially on a not-shown lock of the locking latch 74 the groove 72 moves so that the wall 14 is decoupled from the locking latch 74 (Fig. 4). By pivoting the handle 20 in the folded-out position is the Disk 60 is rotated over the linkage 66 in the counterclockwise direction, so that on the one hand, the locking element 30 is moved via the linkage 64 into the groove 32, so that now the wall 14 is coupled to the slider 18, and on the other hand provided in the disc 60 groove 84 the locking element 80th directly opposite.

By pulling the handle 20, the slider 18 is now together with the wall 14 moves in the opening direction 92, wherein the prestressed by the spring 78 Plunger 76 is moved in the direction of the wall 86 of the housing 12. About the linkage 70, the disc 62 and the linkage 68 will move this to a corresponding transmitted opposite movement of the locking element 80, so that this is inserted into the groove 84 of the disc 60. That way is the Disc 60 secured against further rotation, so that the coupling of the Slider 18 with the wall 14 and the pivotal position of the handle 20th are fixed (Fig. 5).

With movement of the slider 18 in the opening direction 92 is simultaneously the Cam track 38 moves over the locking lever 36 along. It follows the Lock lever 36 due to its bias by the spring 40 the Curve profile of the cam track 38. The curve of the cam track 38 is here chosen so that a once exceeded cam mountain in the opposite direction of Lock lever 36 can not be overcome. The locking lever 36 can thus be moved back to the previous cam mountain maximum. One Inserting the slider 18 from a partially pulled out position is thus avoided.

Fig. 6 shows the position of the slider 18 shortly before reaching the maximum pulled out Position. The cam track 38 is configured such that it obliquely the spring 82 terminates at its ends. When reaching the maximum pulled out End position of the slider 18 is thus the locking lever 36 against the spring 82nd guided, which forms in this way an opening through which the locking lever 36 is guided becomes. As soon as the locking lever 36 has passed this opening, closes the Spring 82 due to their bias again the opening thus formed. Now can an insertion of the slider 18 done, since the locking lever 36 now at the smooth bottom of the slider 18 can slide along.

Sliding the slider 18 in the fully inserted end position 28th causes the locking lever 36 due to its bias in the opening 58th snaps and rests again on the cam track 38. With reaching the fully inserted end position 28 is simultaneously the plunger 76th moved against its spring bias, so that at the same time the locking element 80 is pulled out of the groove 84 of the disc 60. This is now one Rotary movement of the disc 60 released again. The handle 20 is now in the pivoted with respect to the housing 12 pivoted position. This movement causes the rod 60 is rotated about the linkage 66 in a clockwise direction is, wherein simultaneously on the linkage 64, the locking element 30 from the groove 32 of the wall 14 is guided, so that the wall 14 from the slider 18th is decoupled (Fig. 7). About the lock not shown is the Retaining latch 74 is inserted back into the groove 72 of the wall 14, so that this is secured against horizontal displacement.

The wall 14 may advantageously be inclined in relation to the horizontal Direction housing rear wall 86 so as to pull out under the load of the cash in the cashbox 94. To one safe and complete emptying of the Cashbox 94 can allow in addition, a scraper for stripping the resting on the wall 14 Means of payment are used. In addition, the slider 18 for a shift to be provided on an inclined plane. So can For example, achieved by an inclination in the direction of the rear wall 86 be that the slide after reaching the fully withdrawn End position 26 automatically returns to the fully inserted position 28 is inserted, for example by a due to a weight acting restoring force.

In addition, however, drives can be provided by the corresponding Functions are realized and executed. For example, the Slide 18 by a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric drive be powered, the anfährt on a controller, the desired positions. In a particularly secure embodiment, for example, the slider 18th be remotely controlled. For example, the slider 18 is controlled by a central office which is located away from the color box 10. Through a security question, for example, by entering a code or by an optical Checking whether an authorized person operates the Farebox 10, the Release for a retraction of the slide 18 are given.

The in Figs. illustrated embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention and are not limitative of these. In particular the shape of the cashbox, the design of the sliding wall as well as the drive mechanisms and mechanical design vary without the To leave spirit of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

emptying

12

Housing of the emptying device

14

Wall of cashbox

16

Compartment of the emptying device

18

Slider of the emptying device

20

Handle the emptying device

22

Locking device of the emptying device

24

Locking device of the emptying device

26

fully withdrawn end position

28

fully inserted end position

30

locking element

32

groove

34

transmission

36

locking lever

38

cam track

40

feather

42

Cover of the emptying device

44

Side wall of the emptying device

46

Opening the emptying device

48

Wandungsaußenseite

50

wall inner side

52

safety device

54

housing area

56

Side wall

58

opening

60

disc

62

disc

64

linkage

66

linkage

68

linkage

70

linkage

72

groove

74

safety catch

76

tappet

78

feather

80

locking element

82

leaf spring

84

groove

86

Rear panel

88

door

90

lever

92

opening direction

94

Cashbox

96

Side wall

98

Side wall

100

cover

Claims (17)

1. Apparatus (10) for emptying a cash box (94), fare box or the like, wherein the apparatus (10) basically comprises a substantially cuboid housing (12) and the cash box (94) comprises at least one slidable wall (14), wherein the housing (12) has a compartment (16) for insertion of the cash box (94) so that this latter is positioned with the slidable wall (14) facing downwards on a slide (18) located in the housing (12) of the apparatus, wherein the slide (18) comprises:

   a handle (20), a connecting device (22) for connection to the wall (14) of the cash box (94) as well as a blocking device (24) which allows the slide (18) to be withdrawn from the housing (12) into a withdrawn end position (26) and then pushed in into a fully inserted end position (28) but prevents the slide (18) from being pushed in from any withdrawn position which does not correspond to the end position (26).
2. Apparatus (10) as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the handle (20) can be pivoted between a position in which it is hinged in relative to the housing (12) and a position in which it is hinged out.
3. Apparatus (10) as claimed in Claim 2, characterised in that the handle (20) is a grip.
4. Apparatus (10) as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the connecting device (22) comprises at least one locking element (30) which can be inserted into a groove (32) in the slidable wall (14) of the cash box (94).
5. Apparatus (10) as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the slide (18) has a mechanism (34) by means of which, when the handle (20) is hinged out, the connecting device (22) makes a connection between the slide (18) and the slidable wall (14) of the cash box (94).
6. Apparatus (10) as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the blocking apparatus (24) comprises a blocking member (36) which is guided along a ratchet (38).
7. Apparatus (10) as claimed in Claim 6, characterised in that the blocking member (36) can be switched over between a position which allows insertion of the slide (18) and a position which prevents insertion.
8. Apparatus (10) as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in that the blocking member (36) can be switched over respectively into the inserted and the withdrawn end positions (26, 28) of the slide (18).
9. Apparatus (10) as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in that the blocking member (36) is spring-loaded.
10. Apparatus (10) as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in that the blocking member (36) is disposed on the housing (12) and the ratchet (38) is disposed on the slide (18).
11. Apparatus (10) as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the slidable wall (14) is disposed inclined with respect to the horizontal.
12. Cashbox (94) for apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a housing having a cover (100), four side walls (96, 98) and a base wall, wherein the cover (100) has a slit-like opening (46), characterised in that at least one of the walls (14) is slidable relative to the housing in such a way that the cash box can be emptied completely and reliably.
13. Cashbox (94) as claimed in Claim 12, characterised in that the wall (14) has at least one groove (32) to receive a locking element (30).
14. Cashbox (94) as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims 12 and 13, characterised in that the groove (32) is constructed on the outside (48) of the wall and is closed towards the inside (50) of the wall.
15. Cashbox (94) as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims 12 to 14, characterised in that it has a securing device (52) for securing the slidable wall (14) against displacement.
16. Cashbox (94) as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims 12 to 15, characterised in that the securing device (52) can be unlocked.
17. Cashbox (94) as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims 12 to 16, characterised in that it has a device for blocking the slit-like opening (46) against access to the interior of the housing and for preventing the return of objects inserted into the housing through the opening (46) in the region of the housing (54) located below the opening (46).

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